Keianah Weakland
Editor-in-Chief
As the 2020-2021 school year comes to an end, some of our staff members are retiring from Sandy High. Although they will be missed by students and staff, the retirees are excited for what’s to come.
These staff members include the autos teacher Peter Craemer, bookkeeper Alexis Tappert, cafeteria worker Ramona Talley, custodian Judy Henrickson, and Jennifer Gaines and Laura Moyer from the Special Education department.
“I have been so blessed to spend 28 of my working years at Sandy High. I will miss the people the most. From the administration to the teachers and coaches, to my coworkers in the offices, the kitchen and custodians, and last but definitely not least, the students we work for. These people I look forward to seeing every day is the best part of this job,” Tappert said.
Although they will miss seeing co-workers and students or the routines they have made over the years, the retirees have many things to look forward to. Whether it’s spending more time with family, travelling, or taking time to make new hobbies, they are excited to start the next chapter of their lives.
“[I am most excited for] hiking, running adventures with my running group, helping with my grandchildren, family history, relaxing, volunteering at church, and possibly subbing at SHS,” Moyer said.
On the other hand, other retirees are taking a more venturesome approach to their experiences after SHS.
“What I look forward to the most (besides sleeping a little later) is more time to spend with my grandkids. My husband and I are also planning on traveling in our RV, doing some camping and exploring more states and national parks. [I am also] thinking about doing something new like maybe golf lessons, or hiking, and maybe volunteering more,” Tappert said.
While the retirees will enjoy their new adventures, they will miss what they have been surrounded by every day on the job. The relationships that have been built with students and staff over the years or the consistency of the job.
“I have been very privileged to work at Sandy High School with an amazing staff, many of whom have become my close friends. My students are the best! They are fun, creative, enthusiastic, and caring of others. I have the privilege of having my students all through high school, and I really enjoy watching them grow into adults,” Moyer said.
Through classes and activities at school, these staff members have met many different people over the years. Each retiree having different experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their life.
“I will definitely miss my students and the staff that I have gotten to know at SHS over the years. I will miss all of the classes and the various activities I was a part of, but mostly I will just miss the people and the connections I have made here,” Gaines said.
After working in the cafeteria at SHS for 42 1/2 years, Talley will be retiring.
“It has been a pleasure working here. What great staff and students SHS has, It was a tough decision but I know the time is right and I will miss everyone,” Talley said.
One door may be closing for these staff members at SHS, but many more will be opened to them. Once retired, there is no commitment to go to work five days a week for hours on end. This is the time for new experiences and memories to be made.
The Pioneer Press 